LIQUOR AT CLUB NIGHT

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1930, Page 9

LIQUOR AT CLUB NIGHT

WELLINGTON’S “DRY AREA” SUPPLY BY HOST THE DEFENCE. COURT RESERVES ITS DECISION. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The admissibility of liquor at a gathering held, by the Athenia Club »n the no-license district of South Wellington was called into question in the Police Court to-day, when the club was charged with, selling liquor in a nolicense district. The defence raised was that liquor had been provided by. the host and hostess of the evening, whose property it was. Tlie Court's decision was reserved. Sub-Inspector Lopdell said the Athenian Club was a social organisation which held a gathering once a fortnight in a hall at Kilbirriie. It had come to the knowledge of the police that tickets might be procured at certain places and it’was arranged for two constables to obtain tickets. Through the evening refreshments were served and liquor \vas given to those present. The constables Were not members of the club. Members of the public could go to the club’s gatherings without complying with the requirement that such visitors should go with members of the club. In return for the charge of 5s there was dancing and supper, beer and wine also being served. The two constables who attended the gathering had been in no way guests as defined by the Act. Mr. Perry for the defence said the tickets had' been bought by two constables at S. S. Williams and Company’s. Mr. Williams was a member of the c. mmittee of the club and his shop was one of six depots where tickets could be obtained by members. As a rule the. committee made sure that the person introducing a visitor was a member. The police made no reflection on the conduct of the institution. .The club had been in existence for about three yea ’s and had a membership of ICO. . The procedure adopted by the club was taat a host and hostess were appointed for each function. They expended what money they pleased on the particular evening, and in that respect they were made an allowance by the club. Whatever liquor was present at the club functions was not the property of the club. On the night of August 27 the club itself did not purchase any liquor, nor did it do so at any time. Members of the club had been forbidden to bring ; liqupr on the premises during club gatherings. Any liquor provided, ,if ( there was any, was provided by the host and hostess. Evidence was given in support by Fred Millet Sherwood, president of the club. He said under cross-examination that he could not remember when the host and hostess had not supplied liquor at a club gathering. Sydney Frederick Bernard ' Tucker, secretary of tl;e club, said the club had never had a “dry” night. Horatio Alexander Strangemuir, vicepresident of the club, who was host on the night of August 27, said ’f anyone at the club gatherings-'-had three drinks he had more than his share; He had spent" £l3 15s on entertainment that night, and toward that had received an allowance of £3 3s from the club.